Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Why come to me now?

And when the Ammonites made war against Israel, the elders of Gilead went to bring Jephthah from the land of Tob. They said to Jephthah, "Come and be our commander, so that we may fight with the Ammonites." But Jephthah said to the elders of Gilead, "Are you not the very ones who rejected me and drove me out of my father's house? So why do you come to me now when you are in trouble?" Judges 11:5-7 NRSV

Have you ever been asked to do something that seems so unexpected and out of your comfort zone that you cannot believe anyone even thought of asking you? Do you find various people suggesting the same task or activity that you should try? Maybe these same people have denied other things about you that you think are great.

Maybe these folks recognize something in you that you cannot even see for yourself.

The people of Gilead didn't like Jephthah's illegitimacy. However, they also recognized his strengths as a warrior and a leader. They knew what they needed and they could see their needs being met in Jephthah.

Jephthah himself is a bit wary of what they are asking of him and what they are promising him. He does not see what he is capable of and this will eventually create a very sorrowful situation in his life (and for an example of that, read Thursday's and Friday's devotionals).

The wonderful part of being in a Christian community is that others can help us to see what we are truly capable of and guide us in avoiding life's pitfalls.

God, thank you for the community of Christ that nurtures, recognized and guides us. In Jesus' name. Amen.